Firefighter and Paramedic students taking the steps to become the next generation of life savers.

The Manitoba Emergency Services College in Brandon is meeting employment needs through 10-month Training Program for Students

For students seeking careers in the Emergency Services Industry, look no further than the Public Fire Paramedic Program in Brandon at the Manitoba Emergency Services College

If you’re interested in a rewarding career in emergency/paramedic services and/or firefighting, Manitoba Emergency Services College (MESC) has just the opportunity for you. The MESC, located in Brandon, offers a pre-employment diploma program for students – it’s called the Public Fire Paramedic Program (PFPP).

The 10-month program runs from September to June and accepts 40 students each year. It is fast-paced and generates a considerable workload, meaning a significant commitment is required. The PFPP has a reputation for providing exceptional training, as well as access to the best tools, equipment and instructors in the province.

Students get hands-on experience through scenario-based exercises performed in a one-of-a-kind practical training site near the Brandon Municipal Airport. They also get to see, firsthand, the operations of a working emergency services department.

Since the program began in 1986 it has seen more than 1,000 students graduate, many of whom have gone on to exciting careers in the emergency, paramedic and firefighting industries. In fact, there is a wide range of employment opportunities in the emergency services sector – from federal, provincial and municipal governments’ emergency services, to industrial and institutional safety to fire and medical equipment sales. The number of graduating students increases from year to year, reflecting the continuing demand for highly trained emergency services professionals.

The Manitoba Emergency Services College was established in 1975 by the Office of the Fire Commissioner. Its main purpose was to help the Manitoba Municipal Fire Service with training and education by developing and delivering courses throughout Manitoba. At that time, the Manitoba Fire College also offered courses through the Manitoba government and at the Agricultural Extension Centre in Brandon. All staff offices were located in the Brandon Provincial Building.

In 1985, the province approved the construction of a facility – the Manitoba Fire College – to train firefighters. It consisted of two classrooms, a board room, a staff/student lunch room, a training arena, a fire hall and offices for the college staff. The following year, the college provided the first full-time pre-employment program in Canada through this facility. The program graduated 11 students.

In 1994, the facility underwent further additions and became what is known today as the Manitoba Emergency Services College (MESC). In 1997, the Manitoba government further expanded the college, with the construction of a state-of-the-art, 11-acre Practical Training Site. This site is used year-round by the MESC, and provincial fire services from across Manitoba and the industry.

In 1994, the college began to receive international recognition for its programs. Today, the MESC holds accreditation in 35 fire, rescue and management programs with the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) and the National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications (ProBoard). The college is also accredited by the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) for its Primary Care Paramedic Program.

Forty years later, Brandon is still home to the Manitoba Emergency Services College. In addition to the Public Fire Paramedic Program, MESC continues to offer more than 60 programs in firefighting, rescue, instructor and management, as well as testing and certification for the Provincial Fire Service and industry.